Zhen Yu halted
He ordered to his soldiers. "The King requires you in the palace, leave now."
The men saluted and obeyed. Only Liang Hu remained by his side, silent as ever.
Zhen Yu turned to Mei Lian.
"Come," he said. "Let's meet him."
The Buddha Temple sat east of the city, half-hidden by snow and incense smoke. Its bells rang slow and heavy, the sound carrying through the valley like distant thunder.
Inside, beneath rows of prayer wheels, Master Shen waited. His bamboo staff rested against his shoulder, his blind eye pale as clouded glass, the other burning sharp as fire.
Mei Lian stepped forward. Her lips did not move, but her hands signed with practiced grace.
Long time no see, Master.
For the first time in years, Shen smiled. His voice was rough, like stone against stone.
"Little Lotus. You've grown colder, but still you endure."
Zhen Yu bowed low, but Shen raised his hand. His attention was on Mei Lian.
"You already know why I have called you back," he said.
The old master's voice grew heavy, echoing beneath the temple's roof.
"There are seven monsters born of men's sins. Envy, Anger, Greed, Desire, Fear, Pride… and the last, Corruption itself. Each one roams free, feeding on weakness. They will not stop until this land is drowned in their hunger."
He turned his sharp eye back to Mei Lian.
"And you must devour them."
Zhen Yu stiffened. Mei Lian did not move. Only her crimson veins glowed faintly in the shadows.
Shen struck the staff against the floor. Clack.
"Every monster you consume will give you strength. But it will also tear at you, burn you, hollow you out until your body is no longer your own. If you fail, you will become the Seventh Monster yourself."
Silence filled the temple. The faint drip of water echoed from the stone.
At last, Mei Lian's hands moved again.
I already knew. I will do it.
Shen's face softened for just a breath. Then his gaze turned to Zhen Yu.
"And you, boy. You will walk beside her. Protect her from monsters. Protect her from men. If you fail, the curse will devour you both."
Zhen Yu's hand brushed the hilt of his silver sword. His answer was simple.
"I will not fail."
The temple bells tolled again, long and hollow. The hunt had begun.